A Salmonella outbreak in 2014 that sickened 31 people in 16 states was linked to contaminated organic sprouted chia powder. This product is used to make smoothies and puddings because it retains water so is used as a thickening agent. Five of the ill persons were hospitalized.
There were three different Salmonella strains that were part of this outbreak. Salmonella Newport sickened 20 people; Salmonella Hartford sickened 7; and Salmonella Oranienburg sickened 4. Investigations, including traceback, found that sprouted chia powder was the likely source of these bacteria. It's made from chia seeds that are sprouted, dried, and ground.
Many recalls were issued as a result of this outbreak. The brands that were recalled included Health Matters, Navitas Naturals, and Green Smoothie Girl. … [Read more...]

Chia seeds were the source of a 16-state Salmonella outbreak that sickened 31 people in the U.S. The outbreak also spilled over into Canada, where another 63 cases were reported.
Health investigators in the U.S. traced the source of the outbreak, which began in late January, to organic sprouted chia powder. Several recalls were issued.
Because it is considered a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids fiber, calcium, iron and magnesium, chia powder has become a popular health food. Sprouted chia powder is made from chia seeds that are sprouted, dried and ground. Because of the moist conditions required to sprout seeds, controlling bacterial growth can be difficult.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection usually develop between 12 and 72 hours after exposure and include diarrhea, … [Read more...]

The third largest food poisoning outbreak of 2014 was a Salmonella outbreak linked to organic sprouted chia powder. At least 31 people in 16 states were sickened in this outbreak. Bacteria tied to the outbreak were Salmonella Newport, Salmonella Hartford, and Salmonella Oranienburg. Twenty people were sick with Salmonella Newport infections, 7 with Salmonella Hartford, and 4 with Salmonella Oranienburg. Five people were hospitalized as a result of their illnesses. No deaths were reported.
A recall was issued for many different products associated with this outbreak, including Oriya Organics Superfood Protein Medley; Health Matters Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia Seed Powder and Sprouted Chia and Flax Seed Powder, Chia Seeds, and Ultimate Superfood Trailmix; Navitas Naturals Organic … [Read more...]

A 16-state chia powder Salmonella outbreak has ended after sickening 31 people, according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak involved three strains: Salmonella Newport (20 cases), Salmonella Hartford (7 cases) and Salmonella Oranienburg (4 cases.) Five people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
In Canada, 63 cases of Salmonella infections have linked to chia powder were also reported. Canadian health authorities believe that outbreak has also ended.
Health investigators in the U.S. traced the source of the outbreak, which began in late January, to organic sprouted chia powder. A number of product recalls were issued. Consumers who have any of these products should not use them.
Because it is considered a good source … [Read more...]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their investigation into the Salmonella outbreak inked to organic sprouted chia powder. Now 25 people in 15 states have been sickened. Three people have been hospitalized; no deaths are reported. There are three separate strains of Salmonella bacteria in this particular outbreak.
As of July 14, 2014, a total of 25 ill persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Newport (16 persons), Salmonella Hartford (7 persons), or Salmonella Oranienburg (2 persons) have been reported from 15 states. The number of ill persons in each state is: Arizona (1), California (3), Colorado (1), Connecticut (3), Florida (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), New York (5), Ohio (1), Rhode Island (1), Texas (2), Utah (1), … [Read more...]

Oriya Organics is recalling Oriya Organics Protein Medley because it contains sprouted chia seed powder that could be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. There is an ongoing outbreak associated with chia seed products that has sickened at least 73 people in the U.S. and Canada. There are no illnesses directly linked to this particular product.The recall is a precautionary measure because the chia powder was recalled by a supplier.
The recalled product is Oriya Organics Superfood Protein Medley in 21.2 ounce containers. The UPC number is 85370100401, and the lot number isA14314. The expiration date is 05/23/2015. The product was sold in Texas and Louisiana through retailers, and were also sold directly to consumers through the internet in Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Florida, New York, … [Read more...]

The recall of Organic Traditions chia seed products and powder for Salmonella contamination has been updated. There is an outbreak associated with chia seed products that has infected at least 73 people in the U.S. and Canada. The recall is being expanded to include more lot numbers and other products. The products were distributed nationwide.
The recalled products include: Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia Seed Powder. All codes are recalled starting with BIO13 and ending with 269 up to and including 365; and all codes starting with BIO14 and ending with 001 up to and including 156. The net weights are 8 ounces with UPC number 854260006162 and net weight 16 ounces with UPC number 854260005462. All bulk sizes are recalled as well.
Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed … [Read more...]

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Advantage Health Matters have updated the recall of chia & flax seed powder for Salmonella contamination. Chia seed products have been associated with an ongoing Salmonella outbreak in Canada and the United States that has sickened at least 73 people. Many products in both countries have been recalled. This product is associated with the outbreak in Canada.
Now Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed Powder has been recalled. It is sold in two sizes. The 227 gram container has a UPC number of 8 54260 00621 6 and product codes AHM353030, AHMMIX353030, AHM310291, and AHMMIX310291. The 454 gram container has a UPC number of 8 54260 00547 9 and product codes AHM353030, AHMMIX353030, AHM310291, and AHMMIX310291.
These products … [Read more...]

The Public Health Agency of Canada has updated the Salmonella outbreak related to sprouted chia seed powder. Now 52 people in Canada and 21 people in the United States are sick. Sprouted chia seed powder is made from ground, dried, sprouted chia seeds. The sprouting environment is warm and moist, which makes it the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
In Canada, the brands recalled as part of this investigation include Organic Traditions, Back 2 the Garden, Intuitive Path SuperFoods, Harmonic Arts Botanical Dispensary, Naturally Organic, Pete's Gluten Free, Noorish Superfoods, MadeGood, and Dietary Express. In the United States, brands recalled as part of the FDA's investigation include Navitas Naturals, Williams Sonoma, Organic Traditions, BioEssential Botanicals, Back 2 the … [Read more...]

The Public Health Agency of Canada has updated its investigation into the Salmonella outbreak linked to the consumption of chia seeds and sprouted chia seeded powder. There is an outbreak in the U.S. as well. Now, at least 44 people in Canada and 21 people in the U.S. are sick in this outbreak.
In the U.S., the ill persons live in 12 states. Patients range in age from 1 to 81; two people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported to date. In Canada, the 44 ill persons live in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Six people have been hospitalized in that country. No deaths have been reported in Canada.
There are three separate strains of Salmonella in this particular outbreak in the United States: Newport, Hartford, and Oranienburg. The Canadian outbreak includes … [Read more...]